Torrevieja Council has launched a new tender to award eight taxi licences after its previous call, issued during the Christmas period, received no applications. Most potential applicants were salaried drivers who said they were unaware of the process. Earlier this year, the council awarded eight of the 16 licences it had initially announced.

All the new licences will be Eurotaxis, meaning vehicles must be fully adapted for passengers with reduced mobility, allowing travel in their own wheelchairs. Applications must be submitted electronically via the Public Sector Procurement Platform within 30 calendar days of the notice published this week.

Torrevieja, which has a population of more than 110,000, has no official VTC services such as Uber or Cabify. With these new licences, the town’s taxi fleet will exceed 100 vehicles, after years at around 85. Demand remains steady throughout the year and rises sharply at Easter and during the summer months.

Bids will be scored out of 100 points, with up to 50 points for professional experience. Extra points are available for electric or hybrid vehicles, newer cars, disability awareness training and foreign language skills. Successful applicants must begin service within six months of the award.